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An update on my life as a trainer
Jun. 28th, 2008 04:41 pmI kind of feel like this cat sometimes in my puppy classes.
Teaching class is going really well, though. I'm starting to really feel like a trainer, both from gaining confidence in my knowledge and taking on classes. Even though I'm handling the other store animals during the week, so far my Saturdays have been short shifts where I come in, teach one class, then help around the store. Starting next week, I have: a three-dog puppy class at 10:30, a six-dog puppy class at noon, a private lesson at 1:00, and the week after I'll have a beginner class (all under 2yrs, though) starting at 3:00.
Leaving me no time to breathe. But that's all right, seeing as I feel like what I'm doing is worth it. I love my job, and my students actually depend on me for a good amount of things - never mind the fact that I'm considered a dog expert now! - which is reassuring and helps me flow into the teacher role much more smoothly.
What's great is seeing the improvement of these dogs over the weeks. We have a labx?? mix (we think rottie) named C* who was cripplingly shy around other dogs at week one, cowering in the corner behind mom and dad. I had to help these people teach their dog to play. That's what kind of life she came from in the shelter. They've been patient, though, and it's paid off. Today was week three, and she's started sneaking over to boldly play with the other puppies, usually rolling over to swat at them gently, as she's much bigger than they are. You can see the improvement in their relationships with their parents, too, as people come in more relaxed and more bonded to their dog. I can't believe some of the transformations I've seen. And what boggles is that I facilitated these changes.
Something that makes me feel useful, well-purposed even, is the relief on students' faces when I tell them that what they're going through is normal. It sounds odd, but it's really a comfort to know. Some come to me so panicked that they've somehow ruined their dog's life or might have to give them up, and after sitting with them for a few minutes, the problem turns out to be something completely handleable. Then there's this big sigh of "oh thank bejeebus" and an even bigger flood of new questions. They leave feeling infinitely better, and I know that I've been a help to someone (usually more so the dog than the humans).
I've gotten so good with dogs, it makes me feel like a part of me I didn't know about just fits better. And I think that might say something about my job.
-H
Teaching class is going really well, though. I'm starting to really feel like a trainer, both from gaining confidence in my knowledge and taking on classes. Even though I'm handling the other store animals during the week, so far my Saturdays have been short shifts where I come in, teach one class, then help around the store. Starting next week, I have: a three-dog puppy class at 10:30, a six-dog puppy class at noon, a private lesson at 1:00, and the week after I'll have a beginner class (all under 2yrs, though) starting at 3:00.
Leaving me no time to breathe. But that's all right, seeing as I feel like what I'm doing is worth it. I love my job, and my students actually depend on me for a good amount of things - never mind the fact that I'm considered a dog expert now! - which is reassuring and helps me flow into the teacher role much more smoothly.
What's great is seeing the improvement of these dogs over the weeks. We have a labx?? mix (we think rottie) named C* who was cripplingly shy around other dogs at week one, cowering in the corner behind mom and dad. I had to help these people teach their dog to play. That's what kind of life she came from in the shelter. They've been patient, though, and it's paid off. Today was week three, and she's started sneaking over to boldly play with the other puppies, usually rolling over to swat at them gently, as she's much bigger than they are. You can see the improvement in their relationships with their parents, too, as people come in more relaxed and more bonded to their dog. I can't believe some of the transformations I've seen. And what boggles is that I facilitated these changes.
Something that makes me feel useful, well-purposed even, is the relief on students' faces when I tell them that what they're going through is normal. It sounds odd, but it's really a comfort to know. Some come to me so panicked that they've somehow ruined their dog's life or might have to give them up, and after sitting with them for a few minutes, the problem turns out to be something completely handleable. Then there's this big sigh of "oh thank bejeebus" and an even bigger flood of new questions. They leave feeling infinitely better, and I know that I've been a help to someone (usually more so the dog than the humans).
I've gotten so good with dogs, it makes me feel like a part of me I didn't know about just fits better. And I think that might say something about my job.
-H
